Jewellery sector to discuss key issues at Dubai meet

Dubai: The sixth edition of the annual Dubai City of Gold Conference, organised by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, in association with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, opens today at the Park Hyatt hotel.

The two-day premier event for the global jewellery industry will discuss current issues facing the sector and will host over 500 delegates and more than 20 speakers.

"For the jewellery sector to grow, the need for cooperation and mutual understanding among members of the value chain is essential and this is reflected in this year's Dubai City of Gold Conference theme - value chain and integration," said Taufiq Abdullah, chairman, Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group

The conference is broadly classified into six sections. The first day focuses on the prospects of Dubai, the City of Gold; gold and jewellery marketing; developments in the pearls industry and gold price volatility.

It will close with a panel discussion on gold forecasts and price trends chaired by Ian MacDonald, executive director, gold, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.

The second day will look at the jewellery retail revolution and provide a global perspective on the diamond and gemstone industry, closing with a panel discussion on jewellery retailing and financing led by Tawhid Abdullah, managing director, Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group. Speakers include members from Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, National Institute for Vocational Education, World Gold Council, Gold Field Mineral Services,

The World Jewellery Confederation, Directorate of Precious Metals and Gemstone Testing of the Kingdom of Bahrain and HSBC Bank Middle East.